Flush valve diaphragm

ABSTRACT

A flush valve diaphragm that includes a body portion and a peripheral sealing portion. The body portion is flexible and has a central passageway. The peripheral portion includes an integral filter, an exit chamber, and a bypass arrangement, such that water flowing through the filter flows through the bypass arrangement. The integral filter prevents clogging of the bypass arrangement. The diaphragm is used in a flush valve diaphragm assembly and a flush valve.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Serial No. 60/272,025, filed Feb. 28, 2001 and entitled“Flush Valve Diaphragm,” which is hereby incorporated by reference inits entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to flush valves, and moreparticularly, to diaphragms used in flush valves.

[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0005] Flush valves in water closets, urinals, and other plumbingdevices which utilize a flexible diaphragm to establish and to seal offthe connection between the inlet and outlet are well-known in the art.Typically, the diaphragm is made of an elastomeric material, such asrubber, and includes a bypass, which provides fluid communicationbetween the inlet side of the flush valve and an upper chamber of theflush valve. A typical prior art diaphragm is shown in FIG. 1 of U.S.Pat. No. 5,232,194 to Saadi et al. (hereinafter “the Saadi patent”) andis incorporated herein by reference.

[0006] The performance of prior art diaphragms varies depending on thepressure drop between the opposite sides of the diaphragm due to thebypass orifice. Specifically, a higher pressure difference across thediaphragm, such as will occur on a bottom floor of a multistorybuilding, causes more water to pass through the flush valve for a fixedperiod of time when the flush valve is activated. Likewise, in asituation where there is a low pressure difference across the diaphragm,less water will flow through the flush valve when it is activated.Hence, the amount of water flowing through the flush valve is a functionof the supply of water pressure to the flush valve.

[0007] It is shown then that diaphragm-type flush valves used in toiletdevices, such as urinals and water closets, are conventionally usedbypass orifices. Recently, there has been some interest in filtering thewater passing through the bypass orifice to prevent clogging of thebypass orifice. Essentially, the bypass orifice diameter corresponds tothe time of the flush valve refill cycle. Copending published U.S.patent application Ser. No. 20010028048 A1 to Verdecchia (hereinafterthe “Verdecchia application”) discloses a bypass orifice for preventingthe clogging of the bypass orifice and is hereby incorporated byreference. Essentially, the diameter of the bypass orifice changesduring operation so that any debris clogging the bypass orifice isdislodged. More interest has been directed recently to filtering thewater prior to entering the bypass orifice. This has been accomplishedby providing a separate filter, which is affixed to or coacts with thediaphragm. Hence, there is a possibility of loss of the filter breakingor separating from the diaphragm. Further, a separate filter increasesthe number of parts required to manufacture a flush valve diaphragmassembly and increases the assembly cost of the flush valve diaphragmassembly.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for a filter for a flush valvediaphragm that is less costly to manufacture than those known in theart.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention is directed to a flush valve diaphragm thatincludes a body portion and a peripheral sealing portion. The bodyportion is flexible and has a central passageway. The peripheral portionincludes an integral filter, an exit chamber, and a bypass arrangement,such that water flowing through the integral filter flows through thebypass arrangement.

[0010] The present invention is also directed to a flush valve diaphragmassembly. The present assembly includes a flush valve diaphragm and abarrel slide. The flush valve diaphragm is the present flush valvediaphragm including a central passageway. The barrel slide is partiallypassed through the central passageway and is secured to the diaphragm.

[0011] The present invention is further directed to a flush valve. Thepresent flush valve includes a valve body, a valve seat, a flush valvediaphragm assembly, and a pressure chamber. The valve body defines aninlet connection and an outlet connection. The valve seat is positionedbetween the inlet and the outlet of the flush valve. The flush valvediaphragm assembly is movable to a closing position on the valve seat,such that it is able to stop flow between the inlet and the outlet. Thediaphragm assembly is the present diaphragm assembly. The pressurechamber is defined above the diaphragm of the diaphragm assembly andacts to hold the flush valve diaphragm assembly on the valve seat.

[0012] These and other advantages of the present invention will beclarified in the description of the preferred embodiment taken togetherwith the attached drawings in which like reference numerals representlike elements throughout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013]FIG. 1 is a partial, sectional, elevational view of a flush valveassembly in a closed position made in accordance with the presentinvention;

[0014]FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of a flush valve diaphragm made inaccordance with the present invention;

[0015]FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the flush valve diaphragm shown inFIG. 2;

[0016]FIG. 4 is a section taken along the lines IV-IV shown in FIG. 3;

[0017]FIG. 5 is an elevational view partially in section of a portion ofthe diaphragm taken along lines V-V shown in FIG. 2;

[0018]FIG. 6 is an elevational view partially in section of a portion ofa flush valve taken along lines VI-VI shown in FIG. 2;

[0019]FIG. 7 is a sectional elevational view of a portion of a flushvalve assembly shown in FIG. 1 in an opened position;

[0020]FIG. 8 is a sectional elevation view of a flush valve diaphragmassembly made in accordance with the present invention; and

[0021]FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of a flush valve diaphragmmade in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] In the following description and accompanying drawings, likereference numbers, as used in the various Figures, refer to likefeatures or elements. The terms “upper surface” and “underside,” as usedherein, refer to the orientation of a given element as shown in thedrawings.

[0023] The present invention is generally directed to a unitary filterdiaphragm for use in a flush valve. As shown in FIG. 1, a flush valve 10includes a valve body 12 having an inlet opening 14 and an outletopening 16, a valve seat 20 positioned between inlet opening 14 andoutlet opening 16, and a flush valve diaphragm assembly 18, movable to aclosing position on valve seat 20, such that it is able to stop flowbetween inlet opening 14 and outlet opening 16. Flush valve diaphragmassembly 18 includes a flexible diaphragm 22 peripherally attached to abarrel slide 24. A pressure chamber 26 is defined above flexiblediaphragm 22 for holding flush valve diaphragm assembly 18 on valve seat20.

[0024] Turning to FIGS. 2 and 3, flexible diaphragm 22 includes a bodyportion 28 and a peripheral sealing portion 30. Body portion 28 has acentral passageway 32. Peripheral sealing portion 30 includes a sealingring 34 with a thickness greater than body portion 28 extending alongthe periphery of flexible diaphragm 22. Flexible diaphragm 22 alsoincludes a first integral ring 36 on a first side 38 of flexiblediaphragm 22 radially spaced from sealing ring 34. A second integralring 40 on a second side 42 of flexible diaphragm 22 is radially spacedfrom sealing ring 34. An integral filter 44 is located between sealingring 34 and first integral ring 36 and between sealing ring 34 andsecond integral ring 40. A bypass chamber 46 is positioned between firstintegral ring 36 and sealing ring 34 An exit chamber 48 is positionedbetween second integral ring 40 and sealing ring 34. At least one bypassorifice 50 extends from and allows fluid communication between bypasschamber 46 and exit chamber 48. Bypass orifice 50 connects inlet opening14 and pressure chamber 26. Integral filter 44 includes a plurality ofcircumferentially spaced filter orifices 54 defined in flexiblediaphragm 22. Filter orifices 54 extend from first side 38 of diaphragm22, through diaphragm 22, to second side 42 of diaphragm 22. First side38 of flexible diaphragm 22 includes first integral ring 36 whichincludes a plurality of circumferentially spaced support grooves 52.Support grooves 52 are in fluid communication with inlet opening 14.Each support groove 52 is only in fluid communication with a specificset of filter orifices 56. Each respective support groove 52 andrespective set of filter orifices 56 are in fluid communication with arespective chamber 58, with the chambers 58 being separated from eachother. A plurality of radially extending chamber walls 60, which arecircumferentially spaced apart extend from first integral ring 40 tosealing ring 34. Chambers 58 are defined by two adjacent chamber walls60, portions of sealing ring 34, and first integral ring 36, and includea support groove 52 and a set of filter orifices 56.

[0025] The support grooves 52 do not provide any filtering function forthe bypass orifice 50 or for filter orifices 54 and are substantiallylarger than filter orifices 54 and bypass orifice 50. The structuredefining support grooves 52 provides support for flexible diaphragm 22.Filter orifices 54 are in fluid communication with a circumferentialpassageway 64 defined on second side 42 of flexible diaphragm 22.Circumferential passageway 64 includes a first dam wall 62 at a firstend 72, a second dam wall 74 at a second end 76, and a plurality ofcircumferential supports 66 having flow through passages 68, which donot provide a filtering function. At least one flow path orifice 70 isdefined in circumferential passageway 64 to direct filtered water tobypass chamber 46 defined on first side 38 of flexible diaphragm 22.

[0026] In an embodiment of the invention, there are two flow pathorifices 70, one adjacent to first dam wall 62 and one adjacent tosecond dam wall 74. The filtered water then passes through bypassorifice 74, which has a flow area greater than filter orifices 54, butless than support grooves 52, and filtered water is then directed to thehigh-pressure side (second side 42) of flexible diaphragm 22. Outerperipheral sealing ring 34 is defined on flexible diaphragm 22 and isradially spaced or offset from support grooves 52 and filter orifices54. Support grooves 52 and chambers 58 are not in fluid communicationwith each other, in normal operation of flush valve 10, when liquidflows from support grooves 52 to bypass orifices 70.

[0027] Returning to FIG. 1, it shows a flush valve assembly 10 made inaccordance with the present invention. The flush valve assembly 10includes flush valve body 12 having inlet opening 14, outlet opening 16,and barrel 78. A top cap 80 is provided and threadably secured to valvebody 12. A handle 82 is provided in valve body 12 to activate flushvalve diaphragm assembly 18. Handle 82 operates in the same manner asprior art flush valve mechanisms, as is shown in the Saadi patent.

[0028] Turning to FIG. 8, flush valve diaphragm assembly 18 includesflexible diaphragm 22. Flexible diaphragm 22 includes a radially outwardmounting portion 84 and a radially inward seating surface 86. Anoptional integral flow ring 88 may be provided. The flow ring 88 issimilar to that disclosed in the Verdecchia application. Barrel slide 24is secured to flexible diaphragm 22 through a locking member 90.Typically, locking member 90 is threadably received by barrel slide 24,thereby sandwiching a portion of diaphragm 22 between lip 92 on barrelslide 24 and locking member 90. Alternatively, an L-shaped receivingwasher 94 having an L-shaped cross section may be positioned on lip 92to receive flow ring 88. Flexible diaphragm 22 is then sandwichedbetween locking element 90 and a first side 96 of flow ring 88 and firstside 98 of L-shaped receiving washer 94. The flush valve diaphragmassembly 18 may also be molded for formed as a single unitary piece.

[0029] Referring to FIG. 1, an inner cover 100 is provided andpositioned inwardly and adjacent to top cap 102. A relief valve or tripmechanism 104 is provided and positioned adjacent to locking member 90and barrel slide 24. The relief valve or trip mechanism 104 rests onlocking member 90 and is tripped through handle 82 in a manner wellknown in the art, such as that disclosed in the Saadi patent. Reliefvalve 104 includes an upper circular sealing disk 122 and an elongatedstem 106 attached thereto which coacts with handle 82.

[0030] Referring particularly to FIGS. 2-6 and more particularly toFIGS. 2 and 3, flexible diaphragm 22 includes first side 38 anddiaphragm second side 42. Diaphragm 22 is made of an elastomericmaterial, which includes, but is not limited to, natural rubber,synthetic rubber, synthetic polymers, and thermoplastic elastomerresins. Diaphragm 22 includes body portion 28 and peripheral portion 30.Central passageway 32 is defined by the inner perimeter of diaphragmbody portion 28. Hence, diaphragm 22 is annular-shaped. Barrel slide 24passes through central passageway 32. The radially inwardly seatingsurface 108 is defined on body portion 28.

[0031] Peripheral portion 30 of diaphragm 22 includes thecircumferential peripheral sealing ring 34 that extends along the outerperiphery of diaphragm 22. Sealing ring 34 forms a liquid seal with body12, top cap 80, and inner cover 100. First integral ring 36 is spacedradially from orifices 54. First integral ring 36 includes the pluralityof circumferentially spaced support grooves 52 about the circumferenceof the diaphragm of which only a portion of the grooves is shown. Theplurality of sets 56 of filter orifices 54 are defined in respectivechambers 58. Sets 56 and chambers 58 extend about the circumference ofthe diaphragm 22.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 3, second side 42 is in fluid communicationwith filter orifices 54 through circumferential passageway 64 that isdefined on second side 42. The plurality of circumferentially spacedsupports 66 extend from the body of flexible diaphragm 22 and arepositioned between peripheral seal 30 and second integral ring 40. Theplurality of flow through passages 68, as shown in FIG. 4, are definedon supports 66. Circumferential passageway 64 is also in fluidcommunication with two flow path orifices 70. First dam wall 62 andsecond dam wall 74 are provided at opposite ends of circumferentialpassageway 64. Flow path orifices 70 are in fluid communication withbypass chamber 46 defined on first side 38 of flexible diaphragm 22 (seeFIGS. 2, 4, and 6).

[0033] As shown in FIG. 3, exit chamber 48 is defined by first dam wall62, second dam wall 74, a diverter shield 114, and includes at least oneexit passage 116, and bypass orifice 50. Exit passages 116 are definedby the space between the first 62 and second 74 dam walls and thediverter shield 114. Bypass orifice 50 is defined within exit chamber 48and diaphragm 22 and is in fluid communication with bypass chamber 46defined on first side 38 of flexible diaphragm 22. In the presentarrangement, unfiltered water from inlet opening 14 passes throughsupport grooves 52 (as shown by arrows A in FIG. 2), travels aserpentine path 118 (that includes path C shown in FIG. 3), then exitsas filtered water through exit chamber 48 into the pressure chamber 26side (second side 42) of flexible diaphragm 22 via exit passages 116(FIG. 9) (as shown by arrow B in FIG. 3).

[0034] Bypass chamber 46 is defined by a portion of sealing ring 34, aportion of first integral ring 36, a first end support 110, and a secondend support 112. End supports 110, 112 extend from sealing ring 34 tofirst integral ring 36. Bypass chamber 46 includes bypass orifice 50 andat least one flow path orifice 70.

[0035] More particularly, the present invention is a filter diaphragm 22for use in a flush valve 10 that includes a valve body 12 having aninlet opening 14 and an outlet opening 16. A valve seat 20 is positionedbetween inlet opening 14 and outlet opening 16, and a flush valvediaphragm assembly 18, i.e., the diaphragm 22, is movable to a closingposition on valve seat 20 to stop flow between inlet opening 14 andoutlet opening 16. The flush valve diaphragm assembly 18 includesdiaphragm 22 peripherally attached to body 12. Pressure chamber 26 isdefined above diaphragm 22 and acts to hold flush valve diaphragmassembly 18 on valve seat 20. Diaphragm 22 includes integral filter 44and bypass orifice 50, which connects inlet opening 14 and pressurechamber 26. Integral filter 44 includes a plurality of circumferentiallyspaced filter orifices 54 defined on diaphragm 22. First side 38 ofdiaphragm 22 includes a first integral ring 36 that includes a pluralityof circumferentially spaced support grooves 52. The support grooves 52are in fluid communication with inlet opening 14. Each support groove 52is only in communication with a specific set 56 of filter orifices 54.Each respective support groove 52 and set 56 of filter orifices 54 arein fluid communication with a respective chamber 58. The chambers 58 areseparated from each other. Support grooves 52 do not provide anyfiltering function for bypass orifice 50 or filter orifices 54 and aresubstantially larger than the filter orifices 54. In an embodiment ofthe present invention, the size of the support grooves 52 isapproximately 0.060″ wide×0.070″ high.

[0036] First integral ring 36, defining support grooves 52, providessupport for diaphragm 22. The filter orifices 54 are in fluidcommunication with the circumferential passageway 64 defined on thesecond side 42 of diaphragm 22. Water passing through filter orifices 54becomes filtered. The circumferential passageway 64 has a plurality ofcircumferential supports 66 having flow through passages 68 whichprovide no filtering function and have a right triangular flow dimensionof about 0.070″ high at the perpendicular leg and 0.085″ wide at thebase (FIG. 4). The circumferential supports 66 can alternatively have aU-shaped cross section. Two flow path orifices 70 are defined incircumferential passageway 64 to direct filtered water to bypass chamber48 defined on first side 38 of diaphragm 22. The filtered water thenpasses through bypass orifice 50, which has a flow area greater than thefilter orifices 54, but less than the support grooves 52 and flowthrough passages 68. Filtered water is then directed to thehigh-pressure side (second side 42) of diaphragm 22 adjacent pressurechamber 26. By filtering, it is meant is that filter orifices 54 removefrom the water particulates and debris that are larger than the diameterof filter orifices 54, so as to prevent clogging of bypass orifice 74,which has a larger diameter than filter orifices 54. Although the bypassorifice 50 is shown to be integrally formed in the diaphragm 22, aseparate insert having bypass orifices 50 can be provided and secured inthe diaphragm 22.

[0037] In a presently preferred embodiment, the diameter of bypassorifice 74 is 0.020″ and the diameter of filter orifices 54 is 0.014″.The other flow paths have flow diameters greater than 0.020″. Outerperipheral sealing ring 34 is defined on diaphragm 22 and is radiallyspaced or offset from support grooves 52 and filter orifices 54. Supportgrooves 52 and chambers 58 are not in fluid communication with eachother during normal operation of flush valve 10, when water flows fromsupport grooves 52 to bypass orifice 50.

[0038] The operation of flush valve 10 is generally described asfollows. In a normally closed position, as is shown in FIG. 1, waterpressure P₁, which is greater than atmospheric pressure P₀, iscommunicated to pressure chamber 26 at inlet opening 14 through bypassorifice 50. Since the surfaces which are subjected to the water pressureP₁ are greater on second side 42 of diaphragm 22, the water pressureforces diaphragm 22 down onto valve seat 20, preventing water fromflowing through outlet opening 16. Referring to FIG. 7, when a usermoves handle 82 in any direction, a plunger (not shown) moves inwardly,tilting elongated stem 106 of relief valve 104. This action creates anopening 120 between diaphragm 22 and valve seat 20 releasing thepressure in pressure chamber 26 by allowing water to flow through barrel78 as shown in FIG. 7. With the pressure in pressure chamber 26relieved, the water inlet pressure forces diaphragm 22 to move upwardly,off of valve seat 20, allowing water to flow directly from the inletopening 14, through opening 120, barrel 78, and outlet opening 16. Whendiaphragm 22 and relief valve 104 move upwardly, the relief valve resetsitself, closing off the upper chamber. Water will then flow through thecircumferentially spaced support grooves 52 and through the respectiveset 56 of filter orifices 54. The water will then flow through thecircumferential passageway 64 and respective flow through passages 68 tothe respective flow path orifices 70 via path 118 (FIG. 9). The filteredwater will flow downward to first side 38 of diaphragm 22 into bypasschamber 46 and through bypass orifice 50. The filtered water then flowsinto exit chamber 48 and exit passages 116 into pressure chamber 26until the diaphragm 22 is again forced against valve seat 20, therebyclosing flush valve 10. During the closing of flush valve 10, barrelslide 24 moves downwardly with diaphragm 22 and the outwardly extendedflexible flow ring 88. Flow ring 88 contacts barrel 78, again therebyminimizing water hammer effects and acting as a first seal until theradially inwardly seating surface 98 is sealed against valve seat 20.

[0039] The present invention provides superior filtering of water priorto the water flowing through bypass orifice 50, thereby preventingclogging of bypass orifice 50. Further, bypass orifice 50 includes atapered hole arrangement, as disclosed in FIG. 6 and which is describedin detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,299,128 to Verdecchia, to prevent cloggingof the bypass orifice should the diameter of the filtering orifices 54increase due to wear or tearing of the diaphragm 22 and provide nofiltering function, alternatively, a cylindrical hole may be provided.An advantage of the present invention is that it provides a filter in aunitary structure integrally formed in diaphragm 22.

[0040] An important aspect of the present invention is the arrangementof the various chambers and passages. Specifically, chambers 58 aredefined by a portion of the valve body 12, peripheral seal 30, firstside 38 of diaphragm 22, and a portion of first integral ring 36. Flowof water into each chamber 58 is only accomplished through a respectivesupport groove 52, and flow can only exit the chamber via a respectiveset 56 of filter orifices 54. Passageway 64 is defined by a portion ofsecond side 42 of diaphragm 22, a portion of inner cover 100, a portionof second integral ring 40, which is coaxial with first integral ring36, supports 66, dam walls 62, 74, and a portion of peripheral seal 30.Flow into the passageway 64 can only occur via filter orifices 54, andflow exiting the passageway 64 may only occur through flow path orifices70. Bypass chamber 46 is defined by a portion of first side 38 ofdiaphragm 22, a portion of valve body 12, first end support 110, secondend support 112, portions of peripheral seal 30, and integral ring 36.Flow into bypass chamber 46 can only occur via flow path orifices 70,and flow exits bypass chamber 46 via bypass orifice 50. Exit chamber 48is defined by a portion of peripheral seal 30, a portion of a secondside 42 of diaphragm 22, first 62 and second 74 dam walls, inner cover100, portions of second integral ring 40, and shield 114. Flow into exitchamber 48 occurs via bypass orifice 50 and exits via exit passages 116into the pressure chamber 26. Fluid seals are formed between theinteraction of diaphragm 22 and respective contacting or clampingsurfaces of the valve body 12, top cap 80, and inner cover 100.

[0041] Another embodiment of the present invention is described asfollows. In lieu of providing the filter orifices 54 defined in thediaphragm 22, the filtering could take place via the plurality of thesupport grooves 52. In this arrangement, support grooves 52 would havean effective flow diameter less than bypass orifice 50. Further,supports 66 would be eliminated so that all of chambers 58 are in fluidcommunication on first side 38 of diaphragm 22. Circumferentially spacedorifices 54 and flow path orifices 70 would be eliminated so that thefiltered water would flow directly to bypass orifice 50. Thisarrangement would also utilize a unitary diaphragm filter arrangement asopposed to a two-piece arrangement.

[0042] The present invention has been described with reference tospecific details of particular embodiments thereof. It is not intendedthat such details be regarded as limitations upon the scope of theinvention except insofar as and to the extent that they are included inthe accompanying claims.

I claim:
 1. A flush valve diaphragm comprising a body portion and aperipheral sealing portion, the body portion being flexible and having acentral passageway, the peripheral sealing portion comprising a sealingring with a thickness greater than the body portion extending along theperiphery of the flush valve diaphragm; a first integral ring on a firstside of the flush valve diaphragm radially spaced from the sealing ring;a second integral ring on a second side of the flush valve diaphragmradially spaced from the sealing ring; an integral filter locatedbetween the sealing ring and the first integral ring and between thesealing ring and the second integral ring; a bypass chamber positionedbetween the first integral ring and the sealing ring, an exit chamberpositioned between the second integral ring and the sealing ring; and abypass orifice extending from and allowing fluid communication betweenthe bypass chamber and the exit chamber.
 2. The flush valve diaphragm ofclaim 1, wherein the integral filter comprises the filter orificesextending from the first side of the diaphragm, through the diaphragm tothe second side of the diaphragm.
 3. The flush valve diaphragm of claim2, wherein each of the filter orifices have a filter orifice diameter,and the bypass orifice has a bypass orifice diameter, where each of thefilter orifice diameters is smaller than the bypass orifice diameter. 4.The flush valve diaphragm of claim 2 wherein the first integral ringdefines a plurality of circumferentially spaced support grooves, saidflush valve diaphragm further comprising a plurality of radiallyextending chamber walls circumferentially spaced apart, and a pluralityof chambers defined by at least one of said support grooves, arespective pair of chamber walls, a portion of the first integral ring,and a portion of the sealing ring, each chamber wall extending from thesealing ring to the first integral ring, wherein each chamber includes aset of the filter orifices in fluid communication with a circumferentialpassageway located between the sealing ring and the second integralring.
 5. The flush valve diaphragm of claim 4 wherein thecircumferential passageway comprises the filter orifices and a pluralityof circumferential supports having flow through passages, thecircumferential supports extending from the sealing ring to the secondintegral ring.
 6. The flush valve diaphragm of claim 5, wherein thecircumferential passageway is in fluid communication with at least oneflow path orifice, and wherein the circumferential passageway comprisesa first dam wall at a first end of the circumferential passageway, asecond dam wall at a second end of the circumferential passageway, theflow path orifices being in fluid communication with the bypass chamber.7. The flush valve diaphragm of claim 6, wherein the exit chambercomprises two exit passageways located along the second integral ringand a diverter shield located between the two exit passageways.
 8. Theflush valve diaphragm of claim 1, wherein the diaphragm body is made ofa material selected from the group consisting of natural rubber,synthetic rubber, synthetic polymer, and thermoplastic elastomer resin.9. A flush valve diaphragm comprising: A) a flexible body portioncomprising a central passageway; and B) a peripheral sealing portioncomprising: i) a sealing ring with a thickness greater than the bodyportion extending along the periphery of the flush valve diaphragm; ii)a first integral ring on a first side of the flush valve diaphragmradially spaced from the sealing ring; iii) a second integral ring on asecond side of the flush valve diaphragm radially spaced from thesealing ring; and iv) an integral filter located between the sealingring and the first integral ring and between the sealing ring and thesecond integral ring, the integral filter comprising: (a) a plurality ofcircumferentially spaced filter orifices located between the sealingring and the first integral ring and between the sealing ring and thesecond integral ring, the filter orifices extending from the first sideof the diaphragm, through the diaphragm to the second side of thediaphragm; (b) a plurality of circumferentially spaced support groovesdefined by the first integral ring; (c) a plurality of radiallyextending chamber walls circumferentially spaced apart, each chamberwall extending from the sealing ring to the first integral ring; (d) aplurality of chambers defined by at least one of said support grooves, arespective pair of chamber walls, a portion of the first integral ring,a portion of the sealing ring, wherein each chamber includes a set ofthe filter orifices; (e) a circumferential passageway located betweenthe sealing ring and the second integral ring, wherein thecircumferential passageway comprises a plurality of circumferentialsupports, each having a flow through passage, the circumferentialsupports extending from the sealing ring to the second integral ring,the plurality of filter orifices; a first dam wall at a first end of thecircumferential passageway, and a second dam wall at a second end of thecircumferential passageway; (f) a bypass chamber positioned between thefirst integral ring and the sealing ring comprising at least one flowpath orifice and a bypass orifice; and (e) an exit chamber comprising atleast one exit passageway located along the second integral ring and thebypass orifice, allowing fluid communication between the bypass chamberand the exit chamber such that water flowing through the diaphragmenters through one of the support grooves into the respective chamberand flows through one or more filter orifices, along the circumferentialpassageway, through the at least one flow path orifice into the bypasschamber, through the bypass orifice into the exit chamber, through theat least one exit passageway and out of the flush valve diaphragm. 10.The flush valve diaphragm of claim 9, wherein the bypass chambercomprises at least one flow path orifice adjacent to the first dam wall,at least one flow path orifice adjacent to the second dam wall, and thebypass orifice centrally located between the flow path orifices.
 11. Theflush valve diaphragm of claim 10, wherein each of the filter orificeshave a filter orifice diameter and the bypass orifice has a bypassorifice diameter, where each of the filter orifice diameters is smallerthan the bypass orifice diameter.
 12. A flush valve diaphragm assemblyfor use in a flush valve, comprising: a) a flush valve diaphragmcomprising a body portion and a peripheral sealing portion; the bodyportion being flexible and having a central passageway; the peripheralsealing portion comprising a sealing ring with a thickness greater thanthe body portion extending along the periphery of the flush valvediaphragm, a first integral ring on a first side of the flush valvediaphragm radially spaced from the sealing ring, a second integral ringon a second side of the flush valve diaphragm radially spaced from thesealing ring, and an integral filter located between the sealing ringand the first integral ring and between the sealing ring and the secondintegral ring; a bypass chamber positioned between the first integralring and the sealing ring, an exit chamber positioned between the secondintegral ring and the sealing ring, and a bypass orifice extending fromand allowing fluid communication between the bypass chamber and the exitchamber; and b) a barrel slide, which is partially passed through thecentral passageway to which the diaphragm is secured.
 13. The flushvalve diaphragm assembly of claim 12, wherein the barrel slide issecured to the diaphragm through a locking member.
 14. The flush valvediaphragm assembly of claim 13, wherein the locking member is threadablyreceived by the barrel slide sandwiching a portion of the diaphragmbetween a support lip on the barrel slide and the locking element. 15.The flush valve diaphragm assembly of claim 14, comprising an integralflow ring located between the first side of the diaphragm and thesupport lip of the locking member.
 16. A flush valve, comprising: a) avalve body defining an inlet opening and an outlet opening; b) a valveseat positioned between the inlet and the outlet of the flush valve; c)a flush valve diaphragm assembly movable to a closing position on thevalve seat to stop flow between the inlet and the outlet; and d) adiaphragm assembly positioned in the valve body and separating the inletand the outlet, with the diaphragm assembly configured to have apressure difference applied across the diaphragm assembly and saiddiaphragm assembly comprising: i) a flush valve diaphragm comprising abody portion and a peripheral sealing portion; the body portion beingflexible and having a central passageway; the peripheral sealing portioncomprising a sealing ring with a thickness greater than the body portionextending along the periphery of the flush valve diaphragm, a firstintegral ring on a first side of the flush valve diaphragm radiallyspaced from the sealing ring, a second integral ring on a second side ofthe flush valve diaphragm radially spaced from the sealing ring, and anintegral filter located between the sealing ring and the first integralring and between the sealing ring and the second integral ring, theintegral filter comprising a plurality of circumferentially spacedsupport groves defined in the first integral ring, a plurality ofcircumferentially spaced filter orifices located between the sealingring and the first integral ring and between the sealing ring and thesecond integral ring, a circumferential passageway located between thesealing ring and the second integral ring, a bypass chamber positionedbetween the first integral ring and the sealing ring, an exit chamberpositioned between the second integral ring and the sealing ring, atleast one flow path orifice extending from and allowing fluidcommunication between the circumferential passageway and the bypasschamber, and a bypass orifice extending from and allowing fluidcommunication between the bypass chamber and the exit chamber; and ii) abarrel slide, which is partially passed through the central passagewayto which the diaphragm is secured, whereby water enters through theinlet opening, flows through the diaphragm by entering through one ofthe support grooves and flows through one or more filter orifices, alongthe circumferential passageway, through the at least one flow pathorifice into the bypass chamber, through the bypass orifice into theexit chamber and out of the flush valve diaphragm.
 17. A method offiltering water passing through a flush valve comprising: A) providing aflush valve comprising: i) a valve body defining an inlet opening and anoutlet opening; ii) a valve seat positioned between the inlet and theoutlet of the flush valve; iii) a flush valve diaphragm assembly movableto a closing position on the valve seat to stop flow between the inletand the outlet; and iv) a diaphragm assembly positioned in the valvebody and separating the inlet and the outlet, with the diaphragmassembly configured to have a pressure difference applied across thediaphragm assembly and said diaphragm assembly comprising: (a) a flushvalve diaphragm comprising a body portion and a peripheral sealingportion; the body portion being flexible and having a centralpassageway; the peripheral sealing portion comprising a sealing ringwith a thickness greater than the body portion extending along theperiphery of the flush valve diaphragm, a first integral ring on a firstside of the flush valve diaphragm radially spaced from the sealing ring,a second integral ring on a second side of the flush valve diaphragmradially spaced from the sealing ring, and an integral filter locatedbetween the sealing ring and the first integral ring and between thesealing ring and the second integral ring, the integral filtercomprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced support grovesdefined in the first integral ring, a plurality of circumferentiallyspaced filter orifices located between the sealing ring and the firstintegral ring and between the sealing ring and the second integral ring,a circumferential passageway located between the sealing ring and thesecond integral ring, a bypass chamber positioned between the firstintegral ring and the sealing ring, an exit chamber positioned betweenthe second integral ring and the sealing ring, at least one flow pathorifice extending from and allowing fluid communication between thecircumferential passageway and the bypass chamber, and a bypass orificeextending from and allowing fluid communication between the bypasschamber and the exit chamber; and (b) a barrel slide, which is partiallypassed through the central passageway to which the diaphragm is secured;B) passing water from the inlet opening to the first side of the flushvalve diaphragm; C) passing water through one of the supports andthrough one or more filter orifices of a first size, along thecircumferential passageway, through the at least one flow path orificeof a second size, into the bypass chamber, through the bypass orifice ofa third size into the exit chamber, wherein the flow path orifice of asecond size is greater than the filter orifices of a first size and thebypass orifice of a third size is greater than the filter orifices of afirst size, the filter orifices preventing the passage of particulateslarger than the first size, resulting in filtered water; D) passing thefiltered water out of the flush valve diaphragm; and E) then passing thefiltered water through the barrel slide to the outlet opening.